Two injured in fire at tank refurbishing plant

One man was seriously injured and another received minor burns this morning in a propane explosion and fire at S & V Refinishing in Genoa.

Fire officials said a propane tank was being prepared for refinishing and was taken inside the building owned by S & V, which sandblasts and paints large propane tanks.The gauge on the tank indicated the tank was empty, but when the valve was opened, it apparently leaked propane gas, officials said.

Two employess were outside the building when something inside the building ignited the gas, causing the explosion.

Other details of how the explosion occurred are not available.

Police did not identify either employee.

The seriously injured man was taken to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. His condition was not available. The other man was treated and released.

Fire companies from both Tompkins and Cayuga counties are on the scene right now.

The fire was put out about 11:50 a.m. but crews are checking the building to make sure the fire does spread.

Parts of the roof have been ripped off - either by the explosion or the firefighters, and firefighters are dousing the structure with water.

Route 34 going north, and Route 90, going east, at the intersection of Route 90 and 34, are closed, according to drivers attempting to get through the road.